« Back to Blog

USS Yorktown Foundation Awarded $25,000 in Second Cycle of American Airlines Grants to Train A Diverse Group of Future Aviators at Patriots Point

Jeanne Everett Feb 26, 2019

The USS Yorktown Foundation is proud to receive a $25,000 grant from American Airlines to continue funding Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s newest Flight Academy program called “Take Flight to Your Future.” This is the second time American Airlines has donated $25,000 in support of the program which immerses students in a realistic air traffic control center designed to train a diverse group of future commercial aviators. The curriculum is based on the state of South Carolina math, science and English language arts (ELA) standards.
Patriots Point Flight Academy was one of 17 aviation-focused schools and organizations around the country to receive grants from American Airlines totaling $337,000 to help grow and diversify the nation’s pool of pilots.

“The aviation industry is expanding rapidly in South Carolina,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Our team is honored to have a role in providing inspiration and training to our future generation of pilots, air-traffic controllers, navigators, mechanics, and engineers. What American is doing to promote diversity aligns perfectly with our mission. We hope this relationship will continue to strengthen in the coming years.”

American’s Flight Education Grant program, now in its second year, has awarded 34 grants totaling $789,000 to flight schools, nonprofit organizations, and middle school, high school, and college-level organizations that generate innovative and creative ideas for growing and diversifying the nation’s pool of pilots. In April, the airline launched the American Airlines Cadet Academy, a first-of-its-kind program providing aspiring pilots of all backgrounds with the opportunity to receive the training, financing and mentoring opportunities necessary to fly for the world’s largest airline.

The Flight Academy at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is available to a group of ten or more students. The USS Yorktown Foundation has funding available for scholarships so that underserved students can attend. Those interested in learning more can email [email protected] or call 843-971-5051.

« Previous Post

Patriots Point Development Authority’s Executive Director To Retire June 30

Next Post »

FREE Showing of "Life in A Jar" Play on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Military (ID required)
  • $22
  • Buy Now
  • SC Teachers/SC First Responders (ID required)
  • $23
  • Buy Now

COVID-19 Notice

Due to health safety measures related to COVID-19, structured, in-person education programs have been suspended. Please consider booking a guided or self-guided tour for your group.

More Information

COVID-19 Notice

Due to health safety measures related to COVID-19, our overnight camping program has been suspended. Please consider joining our exclusive list to be among the first to learn when the program relaunches.

Interested in booking a day group visit to see our museum? Discounted rates for 10+ people.

More Information